Activist Calls for Free Speech Protection Under New Cybercrime Law

A South Sudan civil society activist has welcomed the new Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, but warned that it must not be used to limit free speech before the December 2026 elections. Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan, said the law can help fight online crime and harmful content. However, he stressed that freedom of expression, media freedom, and other constitutional rights must be protected. He also said many people across the country do not know about the new law. He called on the government to educate the public before enforcing it. Bol said civil society groups will monitor how the law is used and speak out if it is used unfairly. The government says the law aims to improve online safety and fight cybercrime.